Chemical plant workers want to return to hometown

Around 30 labourers, who worked for the Sequent Scientific Limited, the plant where a gas leak killed four workers on Tuesday, wish to go back to their native place, as they are scared after the accident, said the workers.

“We do not want to stay here anymore. Everyone is scared after what has happened,” said Pappu Yadav, one of the workers, who underwent treatment after the gas leak.

“Currently everyone is confused and scared,” said Sunil Chaurasia, another victim. Eleven workers, who were undergoing treatment, have been discharged and paid Rs10,000 as compensation.

The company spokesperson said all the dues with the contractor have been settled and only after investigations are complete will any decision on reopening the plant be taken.

Some workers complained to the police that their payments were held up , following which the contractor made some payments at the police station itself. The payments were in the range of Rs4,000 to Rs5,000.

“We have started making payments but we need identity and address proofs,” said Shobhnath Sharma, the contractor.

“Procedures take time. The workers need the company and vice versa.” He said around 15 workers have been paid and most of them come from Gazipur district in Uttar Pradesh and wish to go back.

Officials at Boisar police station said the documents were important to be able to trace them when the case opens in court. “It becomes hard to find witnesses,” an official said.

JJ Choudhary, the supervisor arrested on Wednesday, was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days on Saturday.